Because it is the secret ingredient behind delicious recipes as well as a number of home remedies.  Some even use it as a face mask!  But the benefits of Turmeric are more than just skin deep.

Turmeric has been grown and harvested for over 5,000 years and many doctors even call it a miracle spice for its wide range of health benefits.

In fact, this miracle spice has been under the spotlight of world-wide medical research, with over 6000 studies conducted over the past decade because of its potential to help with health conditions that many synthetic medications have trouble treating.

The active compound in Turmeric is called curcumin, it is what gives Turmeric amazing medicinal properties.

Look below and you will see seven surprising ways that Turmeric may benefit your health.

1) Turmeric has incredible anti-inflammatory properties

There are two kinds of inflammation.  The first is the healthy kind.  You experience it when you bump your head or get a bee-sting.  It is the body’s natural response to tissue damage or infection.

The second kind of inflammation is chronic inflammation.  Some of the most common causes of death or disability, including atherosclerosis, strokes, and artery diseases, are set up by a low-grade chronic inflammation, also known as “silent” inflammation because it is unable to be felt before it wreaks havoc on the body with one of the age-related diseases above.

The good news is that the curcumin in turmeric has been shown to support a healthy inflammation balance in numerous studies.  Of course, scientists were surprised when they found that turmeric can be more powerful than some over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs!(1)

2) Turmeric improves brain function

Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other kinds of age related memory decline are a result of a slow deterioration of the normal nervous system structure in the brain.  Like most slow-moving conditions in the body, this happens on a cellular level.

In order to prevent these issues from becoming serious, doctors recommend preventative activities like exercise and good nutrition, which is where turmeric comes in.

In a recent study, it was found that turmeric might play an important role in preserving the integrity of neurotransmitters in the brain (2)—which means it can support your memory and mental health.

3) Turmeric helps boost heart health

Turmeric’s ability to protect the heart is well known among researchers and scientists.

Its inflammation benefits can sustain a defense against the causes of atherosclerosis, valvular heart disease, pericardial heart disease, and cardiomyopathy— which are all rooted in chronic inflammation. (6)

But turmeric has benefits that go beyond inflammation.  It also has powerful antioxidant properties.(4) Antioxidants have been shown to fight against the free-radicals and oxidation that causes heart conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attacks and sudden death.(5)

In short, turmeric is a much needed layer of defense against threats to the heart!

4) Turmeric may be an all natural cancer treatment

A recent study showed that the curcumin found in turmeric may have a beneficial effect on different types of cancer.

For example, pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of cancer in the world. [a] It is one of the fastest moving and most difficult to detect.  Fortunately, the curcumin in turmeric may play a role in treating this form, and other forms of cancer. (8)

Here’s how:

Researchers suggest a certain protein called Skp2 plays a major role in tumor growth and cancer development. The exciting news behind this study is that curcumin suppressed cell growth, tumor growth potential, and cell death, which in turn significantly suppressed Skp2.

In simple terms; their findings suggest that using curcumin to suppress Skp2 could be a promising strategy for treating cancer patients.(7)

No wonder they call it the miracle spice.

5) Turmeric can help reverse arthritis

As we get older, it’s only natural that our joints begin to ache, swell and become stiff.  At least that’s what most people believe.  But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be that way!

In a study that tested curcumin’s capability to treat bone damage on a cellular level, it was discovered that the curcumin found in turmeric may inhibit the active ingredient in blood cells that break down bone tissues in the body.

This new evidence suggests that turmeric can help rheumatoid arthritis by treating bone deterioration and inflammation in the joints.  (9)

6) Turmeric’s mental health and mood benefits

Have you ever felt depressed?  Do you know anyone who has?

If so, this next study will lift your spirits.

In an animal study where curcumin was administered as a means to fight major depression, it was discovered that curcumin produced a significant increase in neurotransmitter and dopamine levels in brain tissue.

The conclusion of the study suggests that turmeric can be a viable treatment for depression.(10)

What’s more, improving levels of dopamine synthesis in the brain is associated with overcoming age related mental disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and dementia, making this benefit even more essential when it comes to maintaining a strong defense for the aging brain.

7) Turmeric may help against the damages of obesity

Another recent animal study strongly suggests curcumin can lower body weight, fat mass and triglycerides by making the body use more fat for energy and regulating blood sugar levels.

In this study, the researchers claim that obesity is a form of chronic low-grade inflammation (11)  which turmeric’s anti-inflammatory powers can help treat.

In essence, the study shows that curcumin can prevent fat development and cell death by increasing energy expenditure, which lowers fat mass percentage and decreases the risk of obesity!

These results are promising for anyone who wants to shed a few pounds or simply prevent any more fat accumulation in the body.

With how inexpensive this miracle spice is in its natural and supplement forms, the question is, how can you afford not to try it!

If you or someone you know could benefit from health benefits like the ones above, find out which turmeric I most recommend by clicking on this link.